Paul Taylor vs. Sam Stout targeted for UFC 121

Multiple sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that both fighters have agreed to the contest and are expected to sign bout agreements shortly.

UFC 121 is targeted for Oct. 23 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, though the venue and date have not yet been confirmed by the promotion.

The position of Taylor vs. Stout on the as-yet-unannounced card is unknown at this time.

It’s Taylor’s first bout since a migraine headache forced him to withdraw from UFC 112 with just hours till curtain time. The British fighter was due to face John Gunderson on the event’s preliminary card.

Upon his return to the U.K., the fighter received a full medical checkup and was thought to be in the clear for a fight against Gunderson at The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale, but doctors ordered him to rest longer as a precaution, and he was replaced by newcomer Mark Holst.

Taylor most recently dropped a unanimous decision to John Hathaway at UFC 105 in November. With four losses in his past six fights, Taylor is likely a must-win situation when he meets Stout.

London, Ontario, Canada, native Stout fell short on points in his most recent fight against Jeremy Stephens at UFC 113, though he was consoled by a third consecutive “Fight of the Night” bonus. The heavy-handed fighter has won five such honors for his highly technical and exciting brand of standup skills.

Prior to Stephens, he racked up two decision wins over Joe Lauzon and Matt Wiman.

For complete coverage of UFC 121, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

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